The French overseas territory of Mayotte, located between Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean, is grappling with the aftermath of the most catastrophic cyclone in 90 years. Cyclone Chido, packing winds of up to 225 km/h (140 mph), has wreaked havoc on the island, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Authorities are bracing for a devastating toll, with at least 1,000 people feared dead.
Significant Damage to Infrastructure and Health Services
Cyclone Chido’s fury has left Mayotte’s infrastructure in ruins. The island’s airport has been severely damaged, while electricity, water, and communication services have been completely cut off. François-Xavier Bieuville, head of the local administration, has warned that the final death toll could reach “close to a thousand or even several thousand.”
The island’s central hospital and other health centers have also been heavily affected. French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq revealed that the main hospital experienced major water damage, including the destruction of critical care areas such as the surgical, intensive care, maternity, and emergency units. Many medical centers are now non-operational, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
A Race Against Time for Rescue Operations
As rescuers race against time to reach those trapped across the island, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Mayotte, one of the poorest French territories, has been particularly vulnerable to the cyclone’s devastation. Around a third of the population lives in informal shantytowns, which were hit hardest by the storm. Many of these makeshift homes, constructed from metallic sheets, have been completely destroyed, leaving families homeless.
The French Red Cross has described the situation as “chaotic,” with much of the island’s slums being completely obliterated. Eric Sam Vah, a representative from the French Red Cross, said, “Most of the slums have been totally destroyed. And we haven’t received any reports of displaced people. So the reality could be terrible in the coming days.”
Challenges in Reaching Vulnerable Populations
In addition to the widespread destruction, the Cyclone Chido has also exacerbated the difficulties of reaching vulnerable populations. Approximately 100,000 people in Mayotte are believed to be living illegally on the island. Many of them are now in hiding out of fear of being deported, further complicating efforts to provide aid and conduct rescue operations. The presence of illegal residents means that some areas are likely to be inaccessible, slowing down the rescue process.
As the island begins to recover from this unprecedented disaster, authorities are focusing on saving as many lives as possible and providing emergency assistance to the survivors. However, the scale of the destruction and the challenges of reaching all affected areas mean that the full extent of the damage is still unfolding. The coming days will be critical as rescuers continue their efforts to save lives and bring aid to the island’s residents.
